Friday, August 31, 2012

England recovered Series level

Jade Dernbach marked his return to England duty with 3 wickets, including the prize scalp of Hashim Amla, in a 4-wicket succeed over his native South Africa in the 3rd ODI at The Oval.

Dernbach, recalled in place of Tim Bresnan, took 3 for 44 in nine overs on his Surrey home ground Friday as South Africa were dismissed for a below par 211 with 20 balls of their innings left. man seamer Anderson took 4 for 44 in 9.4 overs, including a spell of 3 for one in 8 balls that polished off the tail to help set up a win -- England's first over the Proteas this season in any format -- that leveled the 5-match series at 1-1.

England slumped to 64 for 3 in reply before a 4th-wicket partnership of 108 between former South Africa youth international Jonathan Trott (71) and ex-Ireland left-hander Eoin Morgan (73) punish the tourists for not making enough runs after winning the toss.

Amla was again South Africa's top scorer, as he had been while making a masterful 150 in the Proteas' 80-run win at Southampton on Tuesday. But his return to the ground where last month he became the first South Africa batsman to score a Test match triple century saw him dismissed by Dernbach for just 43.South Africa made a steady start after winning the toss, with Amla and Smith sharing a partnership of 50. But Smith was bowled by Anderson for 18 after the left-hander charged down the pitch.

England then got Amla, a thorn in their side all season, out moderately cheaply when Dernbach shaped a full length delivery that nipped back and bowled him off the in edge. James Treadwell, replacing rested fellow off-spinner Graeme Swann, took 2 for 49 as both captain AB de Villiers and JP Duminy holed out when well set.

Dean Elgar, in only his 2nd innings at this level, made 42 until bowled by a clever slower ball from Dernbach, who last played for England in a ODI against Australia in July that totally deceived the left-hander. Dernbach, born in Johannesburg but who arrived in England as a schoolboy, strike again when Wayne Parnell edged to wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter, a former South Africa Under-19 international.

Ian Bell was lbw to recalled fast bowler Steyn, included after being rested from the first 2 matches, to leave England 14 for one. England ODI and now Test, captain Alastair Cook took 18 balls to get off the mark before cutting Lonwabo Tsotsobe off his pads for 4.

But the left-hander carelessly lofted spinner Robin Peterson to Elgar, running round from deep mid-wicket, on 20. And 61 for 2 became 64 for three when Ravi Bopara was caught after for a duck by wicket-keeper de Villiers off speedy bowler Morne Morkel. Trott took 86 balls over his 50, with just 2 fours, but prevented more collapse while Morgan, who lofted left-arm spinner Elgar for the 1st six of the match during a 54-ball 50, ensured the innings did not idle.

Man-of-the-match Morgan, known as ODI 'finisher', later advanced down the pitch to cover-drive Tsotsobe for an impressive six high over long-off before he skied a return catch to Peterson. Trott was out with 5 needed for victory when caught behind off left-arm fast Parnell. The series continues across London at Lord's on Sunday.